The $577,316 contract was awarded to Smith-Rowe, LLC of Mount Airy. Work can begin as early as July 1, with completion scheduled for no later than Nov. 22. Once the bridge is open, the contractor will continue landscaping and vegetation work until May 21, 2014.

The existing timber bridge was built in 1955 and is considered structurally deficient and functionally obsolete. The bridge has been closed to traffic since January 2011 due to concerns about the structural integrity of the bridge

“Out of an abundance of caution, we closed the bridge to ensure the safety of the traveling public,” said NCDOT Division Engineer Mike Mills. “Safety is the department’s highest priority, and we are pleased to announce this important investment in the long-term safety and viability of our state’s transportation network.”

The new bridge will not be subject to load restrictions of the existing bridge and will safely accommodate all traffic, including trucks and emergency vehicles.

During construction of the new bridge, motorists will continue to use McLeansville Road as a detour.

This is one of 20 contracts totaling $165.1 million awarded by NCDOT in May for highway and bridge projects across North Carolina. NCDOT awarded the contracts to the lowest bidders, as required by state law. The bids received on the projects awarded came in about 13.5 percent, or $25.8 million, below NCDOT estimates.

This project is part of the department’s overall bridge program to improve the condition of the state’s bridges. Investments in our transportation infrastructure provide better access and support economic growth across the state.

For more information about funding for infrastructure improvements in North Carolina, as well as other NCDOT projects and activities, visit www.ncdot.gov.